A young mum who claims she's saved hundreds of pounds by collecting freebies online has revealed how you can do it too.
Ayshea Hanif, 32, dedicates hours of her time to finding freebies and creating hampers to share with loved ones on birthdays and anniversaries - and her gifts are all personalised.
After starting the habit in 2012, the 32 year old mum-of-two said she caught the “freebie bug” and felt inspired years later to make more use of them by creating entire baskets full.
So far, the teaching assistant has given her handmade hampers to her family, friends and close colleagues, but confessed that she doesn't tell them that they were free.
"I started collecting freebies roughly in 2012. The first freebie I received was a tub of vanish and then I got the freebie bug!" Ayshea from Coventry told deals blog LatestFreeStuff.
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“Although I usually only apply for freebies I can use, sometimes I get too many and cannot physically use them so I thought I'd put them to good use and make someone's day instead."
“I got started on hampers when I wanted to make something special for one of my ex colleagues who helped me whilst training. I had shared my love of freebies with her so thought it would be an excellent way of saying thanks and good luck with the baby.”
Ayshea not only gifts out the items she's amassed but also buys extra presents with vouchers she's managed to get her hands on.
“The items that I put in depend on the person I'm giving them too though. For example, for a baby shower, the hamper I created contained toiletries, nappies and wipes. I also made one for someone else’s 60th which had a razor and some toiletries in. I bought all of the items with vouchers I earned from surveys.”
But she said it's not about greed - as she only collects freebies for items she knows she genuinely wants.
“I don't order every single freebie I find, I only get what I need or something I know someone would like. Sometimes I can be planning a hamper for up to a month before as freebies can take a while to come through.”
And it's all top secret.
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“No one knows about it - but it's the sentimental value that matters most to me. Most of my friends know me as a freebie hunter and know how thrifty I am, so I don't think they would actually mind either way.”
“The main costs involved are the basket, gift wrapping, tissue paper and a little something I buy to finish it off. The hamper I’m most proud of I think it would either be one that I made for a former colleague or for my friend’s wedding present.”
Ayshea who spends hours on the hampers said it shows someone just how much you appreciate them.
“I have never been judged for making them that I know of. But to be honest, I class this as a hobby and everyone is entitled to their own opinion and things they like to do. This is mine!”
Giving her top tips on how others can do the same to save, she said: “I would advise people to think about what they think the person would like and the types of things they use and go from there.”
"I wouldn't suggest ordering every single freebie out there if you won't use them because it's not fair on those that would use them. There are many different websites that have freebies and these are a good way to start as you mean to go on.”
"Making these hampers is a good way to save money as sometimes you don't really know exactly what to give someone. This is a good way of being different."
Ayshea's tips to finding freebies
"I find the deals by following all of my favourite brands on social media," Ayshea explains.
Not only does this give you a heads up when new products are launching, but you can also see what offers/trials are running - and even ask for voucher codes.
"Many of these websites post freebies and coupons on their Facebook pages," she said.
"I'm also a part of freebie Facebook Groups such as Free Stuff, Samples & Coupons UK where people share freebies with each other,and follow WhatsApp alerts from LatestFreeStuff.co.uk, which tells me when freebies are available."
